Since its creation in 1988, Music Theatre Wales has become a pioneering force in contemporary opera in the UK with a growing international reputation. The company, directed by Michael McCarthy and Michael Rafferty, has created nearly 30 productions and 14 world premieres, presenting high quality, innovative work to audiences across the UK and Europe. In 2002, it became the first Associate Company of the Royal Opera House, and in 2010 presented In the Penal Colony in the Linbury Studio Theatre. A chamber opera by minimalist composer Phillip Glass, it was based on Franz Kafka’s dark and gruesome short story of the same name.

Music Theatre Wales’s latest work, a thought-provoking double bill, explores the power of imagination and memory. In the Locked Room was inspired by the Thomas Hardy short story, An Imaginative Woman. Composer Huw Watkins teams up with former collaborator David Harsent, who also wrote the libretto for Harrison Birtwhistle’s The Minotaur. The result is a beautifully written drama that follows the tale of lonely housewife Ella as she creates an imaginary love affair. Find out more about their collaborative process.

Watch the trailer for In the Locked Room:

Ghost Patrol, created by composer by Stuart MacRae and award-winning crime novelist Louise Welsh, follows two war veterans who meet by chance and, as their relationship develops, unravel the memories of their traumatic past.

Music Theatre Wales will be resident at the Linbury Studio Theatre from Thursday 27 September to Saturday 29 September. From there, the production will visit Oxford, Cambridge, Basingstoke, Aberystwyth, Cardiff, Manchestera and Mold. Find out full tour details.